Parliament Question: Development of Climate-Resilient Agricultural Technologies

**Executive Summary** This document is a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 667, addressed on February 3, 2026, regarding the Government of India's efforts to develop climate-resilient agricultural technologies. The document outlines various schemes and programs implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare to transform Indian agriculture into a climate-resilient system, and the role of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in this process. No specific deadlines or action items are mentioned for the stakeholders. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Government Initiatives for Climate-Resilient Agriculture:** * **National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture:** Implements various schemes and programs to transform Indian agriculture into a climate-resilient system, ensuring long-term sustainability and food security. * **Per Drop More Crop:** Increases water use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation technologies (drip and sprinkler). * **Rainfed Area Development Program:** Promotes Integrated Farming System to enhance productivity and minimize risks associated with climatic variability. * **Soil Health & Fertility Scheme:** Promotes integrated nutrient management through judicious use of chemical fertilizers. * **Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission:** Promotes climate resilience in agriculture. * **Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme:** Provides comprehensive insurance cover against crop failure due to unforeseen natural calamities. * **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Initiatives:** * **National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):** A project implemented since 2011 to study the impact of erratic monsoons, extreme weather events, and climate change on agriculture. * **Risk and Vulnerability Assessment:** Carried out for 651 agricultural districts, identifying 310 vulnerable districts, categorized as 'very high' (109 districts) and 'highly' (201 districts). * **Variety Development:** Released 2900 varieties in the last 10 years (2014-2024), with 2661 varieties tolerant to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. * **Weather Information and Forecasting:** * **Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa:** Provides medium-range weather forecasts for the next 5 days at the district and block levels by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). * **Agromet Advisories:** 130 Agromet Field Units prepare advisories in English and regional languages based on weather forecasts. * **Mobile Apps and Digital Platforms:** Farmers can access weather information, alerts, and advisories through 'Meghdoot' app and Panchayat-level weather forecast information is accessible through multiple digital platforms, including eGramSwaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), 'Gram Manchitra' Application of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (https://grammanchitra.gov.in/gm4MVC), ‘Meri Panchayat' Mobile App and Mausamgram web portal of IMD (https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in/). **Impact Analysis** **Farmers** * **Impact:** Farmers benefit from improved agricultural practices, insurance coverage against crop failure, access to weather information, and development of climate-resilient crop varieties. * **Action Required:** Farmers should leverage the available schemes, technologies, weather forecasts, and insurance programs to mitigate climate risks and improve agricultural productivity. **Agricultural Sector** * **Impact:** The sector benefits from increased resilience to climate change, improved sustainability, and enhanced food security. * **Action Required:** The agricultural sector needs to adopt and implement the various government schemes and research findings to build a climate-resilient agricultural system. **Government (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare)** * **Impact:** The ministry is responsible for the design and implementation of programs aimed at transforming Indian agriculture into a climate-resilient system. * **Action Required:** The ministry needs to continue monitoring and refining its programs to ensure they effectively address the challenges posed by climate change. **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)** * **Impact:** ICAR plays a crucial role in research and development, including identifying vulnerable districts and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. * **Action Required:** ICAR must continue its research efforts and disseminate its findings to farmers and other stakeholders to promote the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Key Entities Referenced